Saturday, March 24, 2012

Review + Swatches: Mark All the Highlights Soft Glow Illuminator

Mark's All the Highlights Soft Glow Illuminator makes me drool and that alone is a good enough reason to buy it. =) Plus, it was only $16 at Avonand shipping was free!

(Indoor Lighting)

Pros:

silky texture

can be used on eyes or face

easy to pick up the shades individually with an eyeshadow brush

gives the cheeks a glowy finish

easily blendable and buildable

lasts at least 14 hours on cheeks and brow bone

does not crease when used on the eyes with a primer

no chunky glitters

Cons:

not available in stores

the color of the butterfly has a pink overspray that disappears after 2 brush swipes

peachy pink shade has fallouts during application when used as an eyeshadow

starts fading after 6 hours when worn on the lids and used as an eyeshadow, even with a primer (I have oily lids.)

(Direct Sunlight)

(Indoor Lighting)

The compact has a full size mirror and is thick, but still small enough to be travel friendly. Unfortunately, the color of the butterfly is just a pink overspray, which is easily brushed away with 2 swipes. Underneath it are 4 different shades, including a light beige champagne, peachy pink, mauvey beige, and mauvey purple. They all have a satin finish, except for the peachy pink shade, which has a shimmery finish. First, I tried using the product as eyeshadows and the pigmentation was decent when used with a primer underneath and when layered. The texture of these eyeshadows feel silky and it's easy to pick up the colors individually with a brush. They also blend easily. I didn't experience any fallouts during application, except with the peachy pink shade, which doesn't really bother me because I usually apply my eye makeup before my foundation. So, I can easily wipe away the mess.The 1st and 3rd strip can be used to highlight the brow bone or inner tear duct. The 2nd strip can be used as an all over the lid color and although the 4th strip is sheer, it still works well as a subtle crease color. They did not crease and lasted at least 6 hours on my oily lids before they started fading. However, when used as a brow highlight, they lasted at least 14 hours. When I swirled my Inglot 4SS brush (full review) all over the compact and applied the product onto my cheekbones, it looked too mauvey and purple. However, when I sweeped my brush across just the top 3 shades, it gave my cheekbones a glowy finish with a hint of a mauvey undertone, which looked flattering and still suitable for daytime use. It also builds up easily and can be layered for a more high sheen and frosty finish that's perfect for nights out. The best part is that it lasts at least 14 hours on my cheeks when worn over foundation + setting powder and it does not contain any chunky glitters.

(All Shades Swirled Together + Heavily Swatched)

Bottom Line: If you're looking for a versatile highlighter at a friendly price, then the Mark All the Highlights Soft Glow Illuminator is just the product for you. It brightens up the eyes and leaves a dewy sheen on the cheeks without the glittery mess.

Note: The Mark All the Highlights Soft Glow Illuminator contains 9.1g of product and is available atAvonfor $16.

6 comments:

I was thinking of getting it, but I don\t like the false-advertising over-spray; it looks like it would be both too dark and too shimmery for my complexion; plus I don't need anymore eyeshadows right now. Thanks for this review; you saved me some time and money!

I thought it was going to be too shimmery too, but it's NOT! The swatch picture is a very heavy swatch. When used with a fluffy brush, such as the Inglot 4SS brush, it gives me a light glow and natural sheen to my cheekbones. It's definitely not shimmery at all, but you can achieve a high sheen & frosty finish if you layer it like I did in the swatch picture. I didn't lightly swatch it because it's hard for the camera to pick up the color.

I actually have not heard of this brand before - tho that's not surprising since I'm not very makeup-savvy. (I try but it doesn't really work, imo). I love the design of the butterfly but dislike the fact that it's just an overlay. Boo.

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Beauty editor of MakeupByJoyce, a beauty blog featuring swatches, reviews, advice, makeup looks and more. I have a brain for business and heart for beauty. =) For more information about me and this site, click here.